faith

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own world that we are blind to the world around us. We get caught up in our own lives and situations that we forget to look about us and see the wonder God gives us and forget how truly blessed we are in the circumstances we are in. David's health has been front and center these last two and a half weeks. It has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, constant thinking about what is next and what the future holds. On the way to church David called me this morning to find out what I was doing. I explained I was just turning into the church parking lot and asked what was up. A very upset David explained his brain was bleeding and proceeded to go on a rant about the plans moving forward and when was I getting there to sort all of this out and set everyone straight and bring him home. A [...]

There is something extra sweet about sunshine after a cold rain. The warmth of the sun streaming through the clouds envelops you and sends the warmth right to the depths of your body. You feel a sense of being wrapped up, all warm and cozy. I arrived at work today and shared the news of the evening before. I felt a sense of hopelessness in the midst of everything. I explained to the staff most of what the doctor said and how it would probably be doubtful David would return to work ever. After all, that was the hope I was given in my conversation with the cardiologist. We spoke about plans to continue and how we would do it and set out to the tasks at hand. We would take one step at a time and give God the opportunity to show us the way. My earlier call to the nurse, as I do every morning after I get up was brief, as she was cleaning [...]

Happy Valentine's Day! The call this morning was good. Maria had cared for David all night during his confusion and being awake most of the evening. One can only imagine the confusion after a week of sedation and being out of touch. She also said that many who come out of the sedation are confused, have their days and nights mixed up and are up all night the first few nights. Today is Valentine's Day. I was excited to see David again today and Wilson and I had planned to go back again in the evening after my lunchtime visit with David. I was excited that he was off the vent tube and that today he would be talking a little better and be more awake! I am so glad I celebrated yesterday afternoon with my flowers and strawberries because today soon became a ride! I started early planning to go see David in the morning and then return later with Wilson to see David, wish him [...]

Beginning like every other day these past two weeks, the dogs needed taken out, the coffee was not yet in my cup and I had taken my morning probiotic and gulped water down. I hung over the Keurig as my hot Newman's Organic brewed and mused over the news I would receive this morning. Could they bring David's oxygen down to 50% today? Would he be more alert? Tuesday is Valentine's Day, would I be able to wish him the Valentine's Day that almost wasn't? With steady hand I hit the recent calls on my phone and at the top of the list from last night's late call was the number I have grown accustomed to. "Good morning, this is Tanya Hale checking on my husband, David Hale." Then the long pause. This morning it seemed like forever, but Tara was still on duty and answered, out of breath and chipper as ever. "He has done great over night! I just got done bathing him and he [...]

An absolutely beautiful morning to sit on the front porch with coffee and God. Unseasonably warm, upper 50's and a light breeze, sunshine abounds! I had called to check on David and his nurse reported that he had his bath, was somewhat coherent and nodding in answer to her questions. His nurse overnight confirmed that he remembers nothing of days prior to the moment he is in. His doctors had not been in yet, so little information was available except that he is the same. Just knowing he was awake and responding was encouraging enough for me! With coffee in hand and the early morning unseasonable warmth, I headed to the front porch, one of my favorite spots to be with God. This morning I was lead to begin reading through the Book of Ecclesiastes. Many times I will read different Bible versions and this morning I chose The Message version which is more like novel writing. After reading this version I compare the text to other [...]

Life changes so quickly. Count your blessings as they come! My day began in quiet time and prayer as it does every day, usually before the sun rises. Today's prayer time, like the last 10 days was wrapped in David. Wilson and I had plans for the day; he was preparing for folks who would come help cut wood for our burner and I to go to work and get a few things caught up in the solitude. Soon it became apparent that I may need to rethink my plans. Our first blessing of the day came from Appomattox Courthouse with a small but mighty carpenter. How ironic that a carpenter would be our first guest of the day! This carpenter came bearing a truckload of cut, split and seasoned wood so beautiful to the eye! As he loaded it into our storage trailer, I prepared to go out and help him. By the time I got out to him, he had completed his deed. We spent [...]

Most mornings we wake up with anticipation and take for granted the day, even before it begins. We know that we will wake up, grab a cup of coffee and start our usual morning routine. Nothing exciting or new, just getting up and moving about towards our plans for the day. Every morning we know that things can change throughout our day, however we don't give much thought to those things that could get in the way of our plans. After all, how would you know what those things could be? They are your day's variables. Variables are the devil's way to catch us off guard and give us fits! Today was such a day for me. One minute I am going about my business and the next, I have a headache, sinus issues are gaining ground on me and things at work are going crazy rapidly. By the end of the day, I have just about taken in as much of the variables that I am [...]